Is the trail suitable for children?

The trail is moderate and can be suitable for older children who are accustomed to hiking, but supervision is important near water channels.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Pets are typically not recommended due to the protected nature of the park and sensitive ecosystems.

What level of fitness is required?

Moderate fitness is needed to handle the trail’s distance and some uneven terrain.

Is the trail accessible year-round?

Yes, but weather conditions vary and may make sections slippery in wetter months.

Can I do this hike independently or is a guide required?

While independent hiking is possible, Nature Meetings offers guided hikes ensuring a richer experience and safer navigation.

What is the best time of day to visit?

Morning hikes are ideal to avoid crowding and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Rabaçal Lakes Hike with Nature Meetings Madeira | Sightseeing Tour | Hiking

Madeira’s northwest coast holds a verdant secret: the Rabaçal valley, a section of the island’s Natural Park where the island’s unique Laurisilva forest thrives under a humid canopy. Nature Meetings offers a moderately paced, roughly 4-hour hike that threads 12 kilometers along the iconic Levada do Risco and culminates at the famed 25 Fontes, or Twenty-Five Fountains, a collection of delicate waterfalls feeding crystal-clear pools. This trail unfolds a textured landscape dominated by moss-draped trees, dripping ferns, and layers of lichen, a living relic from an ancient subtropical ecosystem that earned Madeira a UNESCO World Heritage tag.

The journey starts in the cool shadow of towering cliffs, following the levada — an irrigation channel unique to Madeira — which hums softly beside the trail. As you hike, the landscape shifts subtly, with the scent of damp earth mingling with fresh mountain air. At the heart of the hike is the dramatic Risco waterfall, a veil of water plunging nearly 100 meters, where hikers pause to soak in the mist and ambient rush. Further on, the 25 Fontes area reveals a delicate mosaic of miniature lakes surrounded by hanging gardens of moss and orchids, a rare scene that blends serenity with subtle power.

Nature Meetings’ guided experience stands out by delivering an intimate connection with the natural environment, coupled with logistical ease. They provide free pick-up from Funchal, carving out time to savor the forest’s textures without the stress of transport. This trip fits squarely into Madeira’s growing reputation for sustainable nature tourism, inviting visitors to immerse in one of the richest laurel forests in Europe. For travelers seeking a vivid taste of Madeira’s wild heart beyond beaches and city streets, this hike extends a clear invitation into untouched natural beauty with practical accessibility and expert stewardship.